Metta World Peace says Magic Johnson told him the Lakers ‘probably’ won’t bring him back

Metta World Peace’s return to the Los Angeles Lakers two seasons ago came out of the blue, and his return to the team this season at 37-years old was even more surprising.

Given those unexpected events, it’s technically not impossible World Peace could return, but it sounds like it’s unlikely.

“That was Magic said, that he’s probably not going to bring me back,” World Peace told the media following his exit interview with Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka and President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson.

As for whether that means the 17 year veteran is done with his career, he demurred.

“It’s hard to say right now, because it’s only been a couple hours,” World Peace said. “I’ll probably have more information later.”

World Peace returned to the Lakers in large part to work with their young players, starting with Julius Randle, and he felt like that group made baby steps this season.

“I think the young guys developed. I saw progress,” World Peace said, although that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s ready to hang up his sneakers and get into coaching.

“If I still enjoy (playing basketball), yeah I’m going to do it,” World Peace said.

If this is the end for World Peace, he’s happy with how his crazy journey went.

“I feel like I had a great career, I had some great games,” World Peace said. “I feel like I had a great time.”

All stats per NBA.com. and Basketball-Reference.com. All quotes transcribed via Periscope. Harrison Faigen is co-host of the Locked on Lakers podcast (subscribe here, or listen to our thoughts on the season below), and you can follow him on Twitter at @hmfaigen.